Hiding Places

Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the LORD.

— Jeremiah 23:24

Ever memorize Scripture verses using those little Navigator cards? Shortly after making the life-altering decision to follow Jesus in 1980, I purchased a set of those memory cards and set about "hiding" God's word in my heart. The verse quoted above was one the very first ones that I commited to memory.

In recent years, I have "used" this Scripture to guilt my kids into confessing their childish attempts to hide their "sins" from the parents. It usually worked like this..."You know, I don't have the ability to follow you around and see everything you do. But, God does...BLAH, BLAH, BLAH." Usually I could draw from my own extensive experience as a sneaky, mischief-making youth and fill in the blanks with assumptions. Usually I hit the nail on the head and they would "confess." Usually.

So I thought.

In the here and now, I have begun to reconsider my life in total -- career, devotion, priorities, etc. And this Scripture has come back to haunt me. (Along with a whole host of others... that's for another day...)

Consider the fact that the meaning of the words translated "secret places" carries the connotation of a hiding place for the perpetration of a crime. It not just the old ostrich with it's head in a hole so he thinks the whole world around him must be just fine. It's not talking about a quiet retreat, a vacation, a closet in your house. This as much an attitude as it is an actual place. It's as much a spiritual "hideout" where criminals plan, with willful intent, to sin against God and man -- premeditated sin (lust, slander, theft, etc.).

This is very personal, my friend. I am one who has been shown to have a criminal's intent in my heart -- over and over again. I have willfully done what is evil in the sight of God. In the "secret places" where I think no one can see me or find me out.

So have you.

We are all so very flawed and save for the saving grace of God through Jesus Christ, we are all guilty. I don't know what your particular "criminal intent" is but God the Father does. The LORD Jesus does. The Holy Spirit does. Might as well admit it and turn 180 degrees back to the narrow way. Place yourself under His amazing grace. Today.

I run in the path of your commands,
for you have set my heart free.

- Psalm 119:32

Keep Oneself...

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

- James 1:27

In 26 years of following the narrow way of faith in Christ, I have marvelled at the sublime simplicity of God's plan for His children. About the time I think I've got the system all figured out - about the time I think I've conquered all the giants (read "sins") in my life - about the time I say I can handle a little bit of the world (everything in moderation) - I come to the realization of how far I am from God's standard of holiness.

You may wonder about the above photo -- Google image search for "Roman Prison" yielded that image -- an open prison doorway with daylight beyond. Hope. A way of escape. Freedom.

Yet how many days am I found exactly where this photo was taken. In the darkness, looking out, wishing for fresh air, wanting to dance, desiring to be free.

Free from what? Sin. Corruption. Entanglement. Death.

James writes to tell us what "pure and faultless religion" is --

1. To look after orphans and widows in their distress, and
2. To keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Ok, I get the first one - we are involved in local benevolent ministries and have supported a child in Ethiopia for some 15 years. Sure, we could do more. So could you.

But, this morning was the first time (that I recall) coupling the first and the second with the ingredients of what "pure and faultless religion" is. Keeping oneself from being "polluted by the world" is not optional. It's not an either or situation.

The Greek word translated "polluted" in the NIV carries the meaning...spotless, free from censure, irreproachable, free from vice, unsullied. It is literally the Greek word for "spot" with an alpha character in front of it -- that is "ah-spot" or "no-spot". And the verb "to keep" is in the present active infinitive tense which carries with it meaning "to keep on keeping on." Finally our English word translated "world" is the Greek word "Kosmos" which in this contect refers to "world affairs, the aggregate of things earthly the whole circle of earthly goods, endowments riches, advantages, pleasures, etc, which although hollow and frail and fleeting, stir desire, seduce from God and are obstacles to the cause of Christ." (from Robertson's Word Pictures)

Of the two ingredients listed as the recipe for pure and faultless religion, the second - to keep on keeping oneself un-soiled by all things earthly - is by far the most difficult one to flesh out on a moment by moment, daily basis.

It's where I choose to focus my "religion" this day -- may it be pleasing LORD to You.

The Fire of His Jealousy

“The great day of the LORD is near--near and coming quickly. Listen! The cry on the day of the LORD will be bitter, the shouting of the warrior there. That day will be a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, a day of trumpet and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the corner towers. I will bring distress on the people and they will walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD. Their blood will be poured out like dust and their entrails like filth. Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them on the day of the LORD’s wrath. In the fire of his jealousy the whole world will be consumed, for he will make a sudden end of all who live in the earth.”

- Zephaniah 1:14-18

It's difficult to use words like "bring distress" and "jealousy" to describe the LORD God Amighty. Yet, when the Old Testament Prophets speak the oracle of God to the people of ancient Israel, difficult words are often spoken.

Why is God portrayed as an angry, judging, not gonna take it anymore God? Could it be because He is God? Holy God? All-powerful, all-knowing, all-sufficient, ever-living, ever-giving, glorious, enthroned on high sort-of God.

(BTW, there is no other. There is NO ONE LIKE HIM!)

If the LORD is portrayed as jealous, it is because His people have turned to other gods (not unlike a wife whose husband has turned to another) or even worse, they have tried to have it both ways -- like this...

You Can't Have It Both Ways

I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all who live in Jerusalem. I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal, the names of the pagan and the idolatrous priests-- those who bow down on the roofs to worship the starry host, those who bow down and swear by the LORD and who also swear by Molech, those who turn back from following the LORD and neither seek the LORD nor enquire of him.

-- Zephaniah 1:4-6

The LORD God Almighty simple won't allow it. He can't allow it. There is only One God -- And He is not amused by our double-minded, "I'm only human" excuses.

I am moved to weep over my own inconsistencies, my own sin in the light of His holiness. I fuss about my stuff, I am impatient with people (especially family), I rant and rave about stupid stuff, thinking it's my right, my place, my kingdom.

But, even as the sun rises today and the newness of another day dawns with hope, I am struck down with gratitude to God that He has not meted out my punishment according to the Law and His standard of holiness. He has provided atonement and forgiveness and sanctification and justification and assurance of salvation through His only Son Jesus. I have escaped the fire of His jealousy. I can walk differently.

And this is not only for me -- as selfish as I want to be about this, I cannot keep this grace to myself. It's for you, too, my friend. No matter what you've done, make this moment your defining moment and align with the King.

He is Jesus!

Like The Dawn

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter--when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.

-- Isaiah 58:6-8

I have spent the better part of last 26 years struggling with walking into the Light of God's way on a daily basis. My expression of Christianity has taking me down mystical roads, to places of revival and renewal, to some of the giants of Christian thought and fame, to the down & out homeless people in the inner city. I have been involved in the music industry, the film business, the digital media production world, global advertising, and even travelled to some of the remotest places on the planet and still I am not satisfied that God is finished with me.

As the dawn breaks forth this morning, I am struck with two very distinct voices -- complimentary voices (not the classic angel vs. devil gambit as the two argue into my ears trying to get me to resist and/or succumb). The voices are from dear friends who are on the field, working the field of souls, making a difference. In both cases, the above verses from Isaiah 58 have been invoked. In both cases I have found myself weeping before the Lord asking for a breakthrough.

Now, in my own weakness and vulnerable state, I am drawn to the contrast that Isaiah articulates so well. The people hold up their righteousness (which is like filthy rags before a holy God) and complain -- "Gee whiz, God! We fast and you don't listen. What's up with that?"

The LORD rhetorically asks (v. 5) "Is this what fasting really is all about? One day here and there. Certain motions. Special postures. Just the routine, the legalism, the same old same old with no life change, no heart change?"

The LORD then asks (v.6) "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen..." which really means, this IS what the LORD is talking about.

• to loose the chains of injustice
• to untie the cords of the yoke
• to set the oppressed free
• to break every yoke
• to share your food with the hungry
• to provide the poor wanderer with shelter
• when you see the naked, to clothe him
• to turn away from your own flesh and blood

It doesn't come with a statute of limitations, a season (like Lent) to do this stuff. It appears to be a lifestyle, a day in-day out approach. A holy calling, not optional, not convenient, not even remotely possible unless the LORD Himself rises up and gives you the strength, the wisdom, the insight, etc. to accomplish this.

Live Simply So Others Might Simply Live

It's hard to do Isaiah 58:6,7 in this life. Even believers will quickly quote the words of Jesus - "the poor will always be poor" and encourage you to give more to the church building fund than to the local homeless shelter. Don't get me wrong, this is very crux of the matter. The choice isn't always simple. But it is mandatory that we think and pray and work this out as individuals. It is part of the struggle I have walked through the last 26 years.

But clearly, when we honor the LORD with the fasting He has ordained (chosen) then blessing will come. It will be as light, as healing, as righteousness, as protection. That's what I see in the lives of these two friends. They are doing great exploits for God and really can't tell anybody about it. They're not on Headline News or The 700 Club. They are God's underground workers, fleshing out the true fast of Isaiah 58:6,7.

They are my heroes!

Selah

Patrick's Breastplate

Tomorrow is Saint Patrick's Day. His story is fascinating. The first Christian missionary to Ireland. Lots of history, primarily in the Catholic tradition.

Recently while re-reading Thomas Cahill's "How The Irish Saved Civilization", I was profoundly moved by the prayer below, referred to as "Patrick's Breastplate." In the pagan world of Druidic Ireland the challenges of evil and darkness were real enemies that this Saint had to face head on. Even as the sun rises this morning, I am reading it aloud and embracing it's truth. Applicable for today? Why don't you read this aloud and answer that based on the challenges you face.










I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through the belief in the threeness,
Through confession of the oneness
Of the Creator of Creation.

I arise today
Through the strength of Christ's birth with his baptism,
Through the strength of his crucifixion with his burial,
Through the strength of his resurrection with his ascension,
Through the strength of his descent for the judgment of Doom.

I arise today
Through the strength of the love of Cherubim,
In obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels,
In hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In prayers of patriarchs,
In predictions of prophets,
In preaching of apostles,
In faith of confessors,
In innocence of holy virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven:
Light of sun,
Radiance of moon,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
Stability of earth,
Firmness of rock.

I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to save me
From snares of devils,
From temptations of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill,
Afar and anear,
Alone and in multitude.

I summon today all these powers between me and those evils,
Against every cruel merciless power that may oppose my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against black laws of pagandom
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul.

Christ to shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that there may come to me abundance of reward.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the threeness,
Through confession of the oneness,
Of the Creator of Creation.

Beware The Ides of March

Yes, I am in transition...AGAIN. Seems my employer doesn't need to maintain the department I run (and am) any longer so they are letting me go. It has happened before.

Which leads me to conclude that this is not a surprise to the Almighty. It is not something that is outside of His plan for me and my family. It is not personal (as far as I can tell).

It is difficult, though. It is a little scary. It makes me wonder where I will wander next. Will you wonder with me? And say a prayer for my family. Thanks.

His Everlasting Love

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

I remember singing the song "Father of Lights," which is based on the above verse, at a large gathering in Columbus, OH. The circumstances weren't extraordinary, but as we sang the chorus over and over -- "Every good and perfect gift comes from You" -- I made the conscious decision to ask God to give me a "good and perfect gift". Almost like a revelatory shot in the arm, I was overwhelmed with a sense of the magnitude of God's everlasting love for me. More than a big bear hug, more than any human allusion to love in all its forms, this was an opening to the very heart of God and His great compassionate love for me at that moment in space and time. I'm afraid that if He had expanded the scope of the revelation beyond that moment, I would have exploded. As it stood, I was a basket case.

But look at the end of that verse...

It says, "who (referring to the Father) does not change like shifting shadows." God doesn't ever have a "kick the dog" sort of day. The Father doesn't get fed up with our regular misses, lapses, willful slaps, etc. Jeremiah 31:3 says it this way... The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." He's always loved us and always will.

What a blessing to be the recipients of God's everlasting love!

Thank you, Father, for giving us good and perfect gifts. Why don't you take a moment to thank Him, too.